Awara Yosakoira Executive Committee

A contemporary version of the Yosakoil festival held in Awara, Fukushima Prefecture. Based on Kochi's famous Yosakoil festival, it incorporates local creative innovations. Thousands of dancers participate annually, making it a major performance event driving regional revitalization during summer.

A traditional Bon dance from Tokushima Prefecture. Characterized by simple yet refined movements inherited since the Edo period, the annual August Awa Odori festival attracts over 1 million spectators, ranking among Japan's major festivals. As an integrated art form of music and movement, it symbolizes regional identity and cultural heritage.

Japan's representative Bon dance held annually in August in Tokushima City. With over 400 years of history, traditional steps are adapted to modern music and costumes. Attracting over one million visitors annually, it is a symbolic representation of Japanese folk culture.

Japanese folk culture continuing from the Edo period. Dances performed during summer Obon to honor ancestors. Each region develops unique styles, spawning famous festivals like Awa Dance and Aomori Nebuta. As a symbol of common people's cultural transmission and creative innovation, it remains active in bon dances nationwide.

Puppet theater tradition preserved in Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture. Similar to Bunraku, featuring gidayû narration and three-person puppet manipulation, performing classical tales from 'The Tale of Heike' and folk narratives. With over 400 years of history, it represents regional cultural identity, designated as a prefectural Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Active through local performances and national tours.

A traditional puppet manipulation art form passed down in the Shimabara region of Nagano. An folk puppet theater continuing since the Edo period, often featuring works based on local history and folklore. It maintains unique puppet manipulation techniques distinct from Bunraku and continues as an important element of regional culture.